10 Biggest College Basketball Studs Who Are Returning to School

For many players, college basketball is nothing more than a bus that serves as a quick transport to the NBA. While many have decided to take their talents to the NBA, a number of last season’s brightest stars have decided to stay put and enjoy the ride that is college basketball.

While the bulk of the media’s focus will be on freshmen Andrew Wiggins, Jabari Parker and Julius Randle, a number of players including Russ Smith, Doug McDermott and Marcus Smart are returning to achieve great things next season.

Only a select few are returning next season who possess the ability to take over games on both ends of the court.

9. P.J. Hairston

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PJ Hairston proved to be Roy Williams’ “lightning in a bottle” last season. In the month of March, Hairston willed the Tar Heels throughout the ACC tournament and into the Big Dance, scoring 19 points a game while shooting a lethal 44.4 percent from three-point territory.

With Reggie Bullock and Dexter Strickland gone, shots will be in abundance for Hairston. If last year was any indication, UNC will benefit from the ball being in Hairston’s hands.

If Hairston can stay focused, watch out for the Tar Heels to be favorites to win the ACC and go deep in the NCAA tournament.

It has been a long time since head coach Tom Izzo has coached a player with the scoring ability Harris possesses. His ability to penetrate through defenses and knock down contested jumpers makes him a handful for opponents to deal with.

Without a doubt, Harris will gain experience and learn the lessons needed to be prepared to excel at the next level.

5. Isaiah Austin

Isaiah Austin had sky-high expectations last season. While he posted solid numbers of 13 points and 8.3 rebounds a game, do not be surprised if Austin averages more than 20 and 10 next season.

He’s a skilled big man, capable of finishing strong around the rim or knocking down shots from deep.

Obviously, Austin will continue to be the anchor on the defensive end for the Bears next season. However, in order for the Baylor offense to succeed, Austin has to continue to develop his skills in the high- and low-post areas.

When Austin does develop a well-rounded inside game, watch out. But for Baylor’s sake, let’s hope that time is now.

2. Doug McDermott

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Over the past three years, no one in college basketball has been as consistent as Doug McDermott.

In his three years at Creighton, McDermott has averaged 20.1 points on an unbelievable 56 percent from the field. During that span, McDermott’s efficiency from behind-the-arc is an astounding 46.4 percent.

Each year, McDermott’s capabilities on the offensive end improve, and it is not by coincidence.

McDermott puts the time in to be a great shooter, something that will prove very useful at the next level.

1. Marcus Smart

Marcus Smart’s decision to return to the Cowboys sent shockwaves throughout all of Oklahoma.

Making a one-and-done appearance in the NCAA tournament had to fuel Smart’s decision to return.

With such a sparse selection of point guards to choose from in the 2013 NBA draft, Smart would have easily been a top-three selection. Nonetheless, he chose to come back and help the Cowboys in their journey toward their ultimate goal—winning an NCAA title.

While scouts are in love with the intensity Smart brings on the defensive end, Smart will have to do better than 40 percent shooting from the field and 30 percent from deep.

While forgoing the draft definitely has its trade-offs, Smart’s game will be polished and primed for the next level after he has another year to learn and mature as a leader.